Move-on notices keeping the peace, say police

Police in south-west Western Australia say laws enabling them to move people on from public places have so far proved to be an extremely effective crime prevention tool.

The "move-on" notices give police the power to ban individuals from public areas for 24 hours if they perceive a risk of violence or breach of the peace.

Officers have issued 20 notices in Bunbury and several notices across Busselton, Collie, Balingup and Margaret River since the legislation was introduced on June 1.

Acting Senior Sergeant Mike Howard says the powers make police work much easier.

"I think we've had one breach of the actual order in Bunbury, so they're very effective," Sergeant Howard said.

"It actually removes what we believe is a potential source for a further problem, or an escalation of the problem, and the person is given the opportunity to say, 'this is a warning, move on out of the area and come back at the expiration of the notice'."